Hello everybody.

And thank you a lot again.

I must admit that I hate the idea of learning to drive: I have tried and I think I am just lacking this part of the brain which is responsible for pressing pedals while moving the wheel and watching the mirrors at the same time.. Even living in Africa did not make me drive: I simply used matatus and tuk-tuks or walked. And was being driven by husband and friends...

As for everyday living: how humid is St. Martin? Do you need to keep all the food in glass jars? Does furniture have to be of a tropical hardwood in order to withstand the humidity? What about insects (it was a nightmare in Mombasa-ants absolutely everywhere, not to mention other forms of buzzing life)?

Does it rain everyday or is there a specific rainy season?

Anything else vital what I should now before taking the final decision and booking flights and removal company? Especially that we are taking our little beast with us (although she is a seasoned traveller and loved Africa totally).

Greetings from sunny yet chilly Brighton.

M.

Well Monica,
There are buses that you could take for short jaunts, depending on where you live. If you used matatus then these are a definite upgrade.
And you do need to keep things dry, I put the flour etc in zip lock bags in my fridge.
I do recommend hardwoods, the veneers would just peel off other furniture. And everything metal rusts! LOL
There is a rainy season and a not so rainy season. But when it rains, it's over quickly.
There is a Montessori school on the Dutch side.
I didn't think it was generally very buggy. I think Florida is more buggy than Sint Maarten.
Good Luck and Cheers
irina

And I think South Carolina is even buggier than Florida. Those palmetto bugs could eat you for lunch if you aren't careful.

Since you have lived in Mombasa - the insect life here will not be a problem for you here at all. Various times of year the little starch ants invade the house - you just have to be careful make sure there are no crumbs around and keep stuff in the fridge or in well sealed containers and use "ant motels". Various times of year mosquitos can be bad - just take the usual precautions (there is no malaria here - but dengue fever does occur). Various other critters appear - but only occasionally. There are two good exterminators on the Dutch side if anyone does have a problem at their house.

It is a lot easier here if you do drive - I don't and I manage though! You will need to take that into consideration when you choose where to live.

Best of luck
Keala

Thank you all for constructive info.

I think I will be coming to St. Martin for a week in the near future to see how it looks before we take the final decision. If it is a yes then I will be checking the driving schools around here next.

Quel Horreur!


Have a good day, everybody.

M.

Monika,
I am the Director of Captain Oliver's Restaurant in Oyster Pond, if you want to meet while you visit it maybe helpfull to you and your familly, since it is easier to obtain information by "live" conversation than an exchange on bulletin board, specially if those info are very specific. It may help aslo to have some sort of resident contact. I am French and my Partner is American, I live here since almost 20 years now, so without pretention, I beleive I acquired some expertise regarding the island issue, specially when it is the matter of long term living (versus visiting since the need are different)

Kind Regards,
Philippe



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And as always Philippe, your kindness and willingness to help is a breath of fresh air.

Good luck Monika and I am sure your meeting with Philippe will be most productive.

20 years?
ah, Philippe. you are still a newbie!!!!!

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I know, I know... and I still have to learn.. A LOT!. Neitherless I said "almost" 20 years, which is even worse

Kind Regards,
Philippe



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we all are learning every day..especially as the island changes from minute to minute LOL

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Monica, on SXM they drive on the right. If you learn in England, they drive on the left.Just more to think about.

Augie;

I am an agnostic dyslexic who questions if there really is a dog.

Hello everybody.

First of all a big, fat thank you to Phillippe. We are definitely going over to your restaurant to meet you in person. And to attack you with ALL the questions we have.
Poor you..
It is not that we are looking for a piece of paradise or we are totally new to tropics, as it is a job related posting and we lived before in Africa. But now we are towing the child along so responsibilities and the amount of questions are growing in proportion...

To Augie: I know the English drive on the wrong side of the road as I am from the continental Europe. But my husband (English but with driving experience of 17 different countries) says that once you have a specific car you have no problem to drive it on the specific side of a road. Let's say I will try to believe him..

Greetings to all.

M.

Hi,
I am in charge of real estate in a dutch side
We have a lot of Houses and Villas both part of the Island
Feel free to contact me and it will be a pleasure to assist you to find your dream house
Regards

Pascal
No advertising is allowed here. In the future if you wish to contact someone please do so by PM.

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Hi. I am thinking on moving to Saint Martins with my son (5 year old) and my husband. We all have EU passports. I would love to live on the French side. Can someone help me with maybe some websites where i long term rental prices.
I will be looking for a job too.
I have a lot experience in watering, bar tending. I also worked in a casino for 2 years as a dealer.
Do u think i would have problems finding a job.
Phillipe i see that you have a lot of knowledge about Saint Martin.
Can you please help me with my questions?